CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama yesterday said he would form a task force to look into the possible revision of the city’s tax rates.
This, he said, was after the Department of Finance’s Bureau of Local Government Finance called the city’s attention on its “outdated” Schedule of Market Values, which is the same for the last 11 years.
“I will be spending time on tax mapping,” he said, further saying that the additional revenue that may be generated would serve as enough source of funds to help support the city’s expenses and operations.
Rama has declared that his administration this year would be aggressive in the collection of taxes after the City Council approved an annual budget totaling P13.4 billion.
During the first day of business tax permit renewal last Monday, Rama challenged the City Treasurer’s Office to collect this year P5 billion in real property tax, business tax, and regulatory fees, or P4 billion more than last year’s collection.
He said that his administration would be “active” in chasing tax evaders and in looking for funds to support the city.
He reminded all business owners to pay their dues before January 23, the deadline for either the renewal or application of new business permits.
“I want to remind them that everyday should be treated as a deadline,” he said in emphasizing that taxpayers should settle their dues as soon as possible to avoid the hassle later on.
He reminded that he has been considerate in providing a “friendly” process to taxpayers.
He said a tax increase might not be necessarily be implemented this year, but that he wants to make sure that there must be mechanisms in place this year to realize the new tax rates.
Before the tax rates are increased, however, Rama said all taxpayers must be well informed of the development.
Yesterday, he met with City Hall employees who manned the city’s one-stop shop at the SM Trade Hall, where he said the city might consider online application next year for quicker and faster processing of permits.— (FREEMAN)